The Chicago Bears are reportedly in the process of acquiring three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans, as indicated by The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero.
As part of this arrangement, the Bears will also obtain a fifth-round draft pick in 2028, while they will be sending first-round selections to Tennessee for both 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-round pick in 2027, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Simmons, aged 29, will be joining a Bears defense that ranks among the top in several categories, having permitted the eighth-fewest total yards (at an average of 313.4 per game), the third-fewest rushing yards (averaging 87.6 per game), and the ninth-fewest points (20.4 per game). Furthermore, they have achieved the fifth-most sacks (totaling 18) over the course of the first seven weeks.
During the current season, Simmons has recorded four sacks, totalled 38 tackles, and forced one fumble throughout seven games.
Leading up to the November 10 NFL trade deadline, Simmons had frequently been mentioned in trade discussions, but he noted this week that he had not received any communication from his team and expected to stay with the Titans. However, one phone call effectively changed everything.
The Titans selected Simmons in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. Since beginning his professional career, he has proven to be a formidable challenge for both offenses and quarterbacks alike. Across 106 career games, the four-time Pro Bowler has amassed 46.5 sacks, 414 total tackles, and 72 tackles for loss.
In June, Simmons finalized a three-year contract extension worth $105.8 million with the Titans, of which $100 million is guaranteed.
The Bears, currently with a 5-2 record, have emerged victorious in four of their last five matchups and are positioned second in the NFC North, trailing the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.
